Overview

The restoration planting at Soda Creek serves as an example of the Community Rivers Program in action. Along the banks of Soda Creek, an area of concern was identified due to its lack of riparian vegetation.

The project, though small, provided an opportunity to connect youth volunteers with an experience based education about watershed health. Thirteen Cascade Science School students combined efforts with OMSI, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) staff to plant 205 willows. Tom Walker, a USFS Fisheries Biologist, donated his time to help educate the students about planting and the effects of riparian health on the health of the stream. OMSI staff also donated their time to the effort.